Justice for Laiba – Confronting the Appalling Kidnap and Forced Conversion of a 10-Year-Old GirlDear all, We trust you enjoyed meaningful Resurrection Day celebrations. Please accept our apologies for the delayed
newsletter. Balancing my law degree studies with advocacy for fairness in RAAC-affected communities across the UK, a cause that could potentially jeopardize my housing and financial stability (click here for
more), along with my commitments to the British Asian Christian Association, has proven challenging. Your prayers during this demanding period would be deeply appreciated. Additionally, I kindly urge you to consider signing and sharing my RAAC petition (click here). 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3-5-6 Amidst our trials, let us continue to find solace and guidance in God, trusting in His benevolent care. Amen. We're pleased to announce that we've arranged for Noshleen's release from Bangkok Immigration Detention by sending the necessary payment. This will reunite her with her family, following her unjust arrest and detention despite holding UNHCR
refugee status since December 2023 (click here). We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our regular Australian donors whose generosity made this possible. The expenses incurred, totalling nearly
£1500, cover a 50,000 baht bail fine, Coronavirus testing, and transportation costs. We'll provide a detailed update in our forthcoming newsletter. I'm excited to share that I'll be participating in a charitable program recommended by my university, where I'll be traveling to Thailand to assist deprived children in an educational setting. To make this trip possible, a crowdfunding initiative has been launched to help cover the expenses. While in Thailand, I also plan to engage with Pakistani Christian asylum seekers. You can learn more about this project and contribute to the crowdfunding campaign here. Your support and generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we aim to assist. Below this introduction, you'll find our most recent reports
listed in chronological order. Notable highlights include a report we submitted to Fiona Bruce, the Government's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, during a thank-you event at the UK Foreign Office (click here). Additionally, we were honoured with an invitation to speak at a forum at the Italian Senate (click here). Moreover, we're pleased to share that we have successfully replaced the
prosthetic limb for Aleeza, a child bomb survivor (click here). These accomplishments reflect our ongoing commitment to our mission and the positive impact we strive to make in the lives of those we serve.
In addition, I feel compelled to address our concerns regarding UK asylum policy, laws pertaining to hate crimes, and efforts to combat terrorism, especially in the wake of the tragic incident involving the fatal attack on a 70-year-old man in the name
of Palestine (click here). Furthermore, I wish to highlight our headline story, as we earnestly hope to contribute to the safe return of a 10-year-old girl who was forcibly married to a Muslim man (click here). Donations for Manipur, India, where militia attacks have devastated the lives of 60,000
internally displaced Christians, have been fewer than anticipated. We would like to take this opportunity to urgently remind you of our ongoing appeal (click here). Your contributions
are crucial in providing much-needed assistance and support to those affected by this tragic situation. Please consider donating and spreading the word about our appeal to help alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable communities.
Although we receive the majority of our donations when we send out appeals, establishing regular donations would enable us to better respond to emergencies. We extend our encouragement to those of you who eagerly await our newsletters to consider regular donations, as this would significantly alleviate waiting times for the individuals we support. For those residing in the UK, the most
cost-effective donation method is via bank transfer. Our bank details are readily available on our donate page for your convenience. Your ongoing support is invaluable in our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Some appeals remain unsatisfied due to a shortage of donations, which may be attributed to our recent email delays and an increase in the number of appeals. We're sharing our last newsletter with you again (here), inviting you to review and consider contributing to any outstanding appeals. Your support is greatly appreciated in helping us meet the needs of those we serve. Blessings to you all. Hannah
Chowdhry If you are a regular reader and want to support our work, you can find a range of options for giving donations (here). If you are already giving donations and reside in the UK you may want to switch from Paypal or Stripe payments and pay directly into the charity bank account as we will receive more of your donation. Our bank details are in the same link above. For donors in the US, we have recently established a partnership with a US charity who act as a conduit allowing US Citizens to have tax relief on their donations. If you wish to receive
details on how to donate to us through them, please feel free to request details via email at admin@britishasianchristians.org. We upload videos for all our stories on YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and you can join any of our groups for free. But in most cases it is easier to read our news in real-time blog via our 'Current News' page in the header of our website. 
For those who prefer to await our newsletter, we have conveniently compiled all our recent news chronologically below. This comprehensive list encompasses all the
updates that were not featured in our prior newsletter. In case any of the provided links encounter issues, you can access all our
international news articles by clicking on the designated box below. This will lead you to our website, where you can navigate to the 'Current News' section and select 'BACA News.' Furthermore, you can find additional updates under 'Current News' followed by 'Community Projects' for an overview of all our projects within the UK. Your continued interest and engagement with our work are greatly appreciated. You can review our previous newsletter (here). If any appeals resonate with you, we invite you to consider making a donation. Your contributions enable us to expand our efforts and make a meaningful impact. |
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Addressing Apostasy Hatred and Terror: Ahmed Ali Alid’s Attack Unveils Urgent Concerns Amidst Gaza Conflict
Navigating Apostasy Hatred, Terrorism, and Humanitarian Challenges in the Wake of Tragic Incidents Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, raises alarm over Ahmed Ali Alid’s attack targeting an apostate and a 70-year-old individual, allegedly driven by sentiments related to the Gaza
conflict. The harrowing incident underscores pressing concerns surrounding apostasy hatred,
terrorism, and the asylum system’s fragility. The imperative for swift action and thorough examination of the UK’s security and humanitarian landscape is emphasized, demanding a delicate balance between national security imperatives and protection of fundamental human rights.
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From Homeownership to Homelessness: Bureaucratic Indifference in the RAAC Housing Crisis Leaves Thousands Outraged
In our last newsletter, we reported on the distressing evacuation of 399 homes in Torry, Aberdeen, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Among those impacted is our dedicated volunteer, Hannah Chowdhry, who, at the tender age of 19, purchased a home only to receive a letter from Aberdeen
City Council two months later, warning her of the imminent risk of her roof collapsing and endangering her life. We are steadfast in our commitment to keeping you informed about Hannah’s tireless campaign as she battles against the bureaucratic indifference prevailing across the UK, while also studying for a law degree. This indifference has already resulted in the displacement of numerous residents, who now find themselves grappling with the burden of council-provided temporary housing costs at the same time as mortgage payments for properties they have lost, all amidst the challenges posed by a
cost-of-living crisis.
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Redbridge Faces Rising Rough Sleeping Numbers Amidst Nationwide Crisis
In a disconcerting revelation, new estimates reveal that dozens of individuals found themselves sleeping rough in Redbridge over the past year. This distressing trend mirrors a nationwide surge in homelessness, with advocacy groups pointing fingers at governmental inadequacies in addressing the housing crisis. Amidst promises made by the Government to eradicate rough sleeping by 2024, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. The cessation of the “Everyone In” initiative, which provided emergency accommodation to homeless individuals in hotels during the peak of the
COVID-19 pandemic, marked a turning point. Since its conclusion in 2021, the number of people resorting to sleeping on the streets has witnessed a distressing escalation. The latest Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities figures show 51 people were estimated to be sleeping rough in Redbridge based on a snapshot of a single night in autumn last year – up from 27 the year before.
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Pakistani Christian Woman of 18Y/O Killed in Tragic Shooting Incident in Shahdara Town
On the evening of 6th April in Shahdara Town Lahore, tragedy struck when 18-year-old Aniqa Masih lost her life in a senseless act of violence. Aniqa was coming home with her father, Zulifqar Masih (48 yrs), after a
regular shopping trip in Ichra Bazar Lahore, where they were preparing for her wedding next month. Their
evening turned terrifying when they stopped at a milk shop and encountered two masked robbers on a motorcycle. The robbers grabbed the cash box and started shooting when the shop owner, Muhammad Hassan, tried to fight back. Sadly, the bullets meant for Hassan hit Aniqa in the chest and seriously injured Zulifqar in the arm. Aniqa fell to the ground, her hopes and dreams shattered in an instant, while her father collapsed from the shock and pain of his injuries.
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Innocent People Killed in Russian Attacks on Stores, Hospital in Ukraine
Recent Russian attacks in Ukraine caused the deaths of innocent civilians, including children, and wrecked essential places like stores and hospitals. In the Kharkiv region, Russian strikes hit a grocery store and a pharmacy in Lyptsi, killing three people, including a 14-year-old girl. A 16-year-old boy and a woman got hurt. A hospital in Vovchansk was also destroyed. In Odesa, Russian missiles killed four people, including a 10-year-old girl, and injured seven. Two facilities in the south were attacked, causing power outages.
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Church Set Ablaze in Gujar Khan: Pakistani Christians Fearful Ahead of Easter
On Monday, April 1st, the BACA team visited the Presbyterian Church in Gujar Khan as a show of support after a fire on Good Friday (click here). What our team learned
was troubling and we share that report with you while we await police findings. When our team arrived at
the Gujar Khan church, Javed Masih, a church elder, spoke about the church’s significance to the local Christian community, particularly during events like Easter and Christmas. He explained that the weekly attendance at the church was around 500, but on Easter, it would increase to at least 1000.
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Church Set Ablaze in Gujar Khan: Pakistani Christians Fearful Ahead of Easter
On the morning of March 30th, 2024, the Presbyterian Church in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, became a scene of devastation as flames engulfed its sacred halls. What should have been a place of solace and prayer was instead reduced to ashes, leaving behind a
community reeling in shock and fear. Reports indicate that the blaze, ignited by unknown individuals around 3:00 am, tore through the church with
merciless intensity. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the damage was extensive, with the roof, furniture, and cherished Biblical literature, including Bibles and hymn books, all consumed by the inferno. Rev. Adeem Alfonse, the pastor overseeing the church, received a distressing call from a nearby medical store employee who noticed smoke billowing from the building. Despite swift action, the firefighters’ efforts were hampered by the already-raging fire, leaving behind a grim scene of destruction.
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British Asian Christian Association Presents Report on Pakistan Persecution to UK Special Envoy at Foreign Office Ceremony
Approximately 40 esteemed guests, including prominent figures from various NGOs dedicated to promoting international religious freedom, were graciously welcomed to a special appreciation reception hosted at the UK Foreign
Office. This exclusive event was meticulously coordinated by MP Fiona Bruce, who serves as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Among the distinguished attendees were Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry, representing the British Asian Christian Association. During the gathering, Hannah Chowdhry took the opportunity to present Fiona Bruce with a significant token of appreciation—a copy of our 2019 report shedding light on persecution in Pakistan. Authored by
Desmond Fernandes, a renowned expert in genocide studies, the report is aptly titled “Call it by its name: ‘Persecution'”.
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Tragedy Strikes Two Christian Sewage Workers, Exposing Pakistan Workplace Safety Crisis and Family Devastation
In a bid to supplement their meager income and provide for their impoverished families, two Christian sewer workers took on additional private work at an event hall, tasked with clearing a sizable drain. Tragically, their endeavour ended in fatal consequences as the two men were discovered lifeless by a waste clearance
worker. It became apparent that they had succumbed to the lethal fumes of toxic gases, rendering them unconscious and ultimately claiming their lives. Overwhelmed by grief and desperation, the families of the deceased took to the streets in protest outside the event hall, seeking answers and justice for their loved ones. However, their quest for accountability was met with further adversity as the building owner exerted undue influence, coercing the families into withdrawing their application at the police station under the Qisas and Diyat compromise laws. In a distressing turn of events, the families also opted to forgo the postmortem examination of the bodies.
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Resilience Renewed: Aleeza’s Journey from Bomb Survival 1.5 yrs to Recovery with BACA’s Support
Aleeza Masih (7 yrs), a resilient bomb survivor, emerged from the harrowing shadows of the 2017 terrorist onslaught on Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta. Enduring the chaos of the attack at a mere 1.5 years old during a nativity service, Aleeza’s survival amidst the loss of nine lives and the injury of 52 others is a testament to her strength. Aleeza is in need of your support once again, as she requires a replacement for her prosthetic limb, having outgrown her previous one. Thanks to
the ongoing support from the British Asian Christian Association, Aleeza has received updated prosthetic limbs twice a year, enabling her to navigate the world with resilience and determination.
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Urgent Appeal: Justice for Laiba – Confronting the Appalling Kidnap and Forced Conversion of a 10-Year-Old Girl
A young Christian girl was tragically abducted in Faisalabad and forcefully converted to Islam. Due to the coercer’s insistence that the conversion was the will of Allah, the courts callously refuse to allow the girl to reunite with her anguished parents. The heartbroken father is shattered, tears streaming down his face, as he pleads for prayers and support from the global Christian community. In their time of need, the family finds solace as British Asian Christian Association (BACA) steps in to stand in solidarity, offering crucial legal support and assistance.
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Thirteen Years After Assassination, Shahbaz Bhatti Remembered as a Champion of Peace and Minority Rights
Thirteen years after the tragic assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti (click here), the former Minister of Minorities in Pakistan, his legacy continues to inspire a global community committed to peace and religious freedom. In the aftermath of his tragic death, the British Asian Christian Association spearheaded the United Kingdom’s multi-faith response initially organizing a meeting with High Commissioner for Pakistan Wajid Shamsul-Haq, in March 2011. [Click here] for more information. The profound emotions stirred by his violent murder culminated
in several peace rallies (click here), a significant peace concert at Trafalgar Square (click here), a packed candle-light vigil at Westminster Cathedral (click here) as well as the creation of a viral pop song ‘His Blood Cries Out’ by the Catholic band Ooberfuse (click here), a video was made in collaboration with BACA: The meeting held yesterday (11th March 2024), organized by the Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy, aimed to commemorate Shahbaz Bhatti, who dedicated his life as a Catholic to fostering peace among religions and cultures. As a Pakistani
citizen, he advocated for equal citizenship, particularly reaching out to persecuted Christians and marginalized religious minorities. His tangible contributions included negotiations with state stakeholders to uplift the most marginalized sectors of society, where he embodied the principles of Christ through his words and actions.
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Enriching Lives with the Word: BACA’s Bible Distribution Efforts
In an effort to bring spiritual nourishment to underprivileged Christian families, the outreach team of BACA embarked on a mission on March 9h, 2024. Their destination: brick kiln No.12 Joyanwala Mor and Soki Maliyan in Sheikhupura. These areas are home
to a significant number of Christians who toil in brick kilns, factories, or on the lands of Muslim landlords, often enduring harsh working conditions. For many, access to the Word of God is a rare luxury, with their spiritual sustenance largely dependent on occasional visits by volunteer evangelists like Faisal Hadayat. Evangelist Faisal Hadayat, having observed the dire need for Bibles among the Christian families of brick kiln No.12 and Soki Maliyan, approached BACA in March. He highlighted the lack of access to printed and audio Bibles, urging for support to address this fundamental need for his ministry.
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